Jason Alvarez-Cohen

Jason Alvarez-Cohen is the CEO and Co-Founder of Popl, a company that has revolutionized the way professionals network through digital business cards. His entrepreneurial journey began with a keen interest in technology, sparked by early experiences with smartphones and further developed through his studies in software engineering at UCLA, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science in 2018.

Early Career and Founding of Popl

After a brief stint at Boeing, where he felt constrained by the repetitive nature of the work, Jason co-founded Popl in 2019 with his friend Nick Eischens. The idea for Popl emerged from a chance encounter with NFC (near field communication) technology at a party, leading to the creation of a product that allows users to share contact information simply by tapping their phones together.14 This innovative approach quickly gained traction, particularly after going viral on TikTok in early 2020, which helped the company bootstrap to profitability.34

Achievements and Vision

Under Jason's leadership, Popl has facilitated over 20 million global connections and has attracted significant clientele, including major companies like Compass and Home Depot. In 2021, Popl was part of the prestigious Y Combinator accelerator program, which further propelled its growth.34 The company currently generates over $10 million in annual recurring revenue and continues to expand its offerings in the B2B space.24

Jason has been recognized for his contributions to the tech industry, making it onto the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2021. He envisions Popl either going public or being acquired within the next five years, reflecting his ambition for the company's future growth.13

Personal Interests

Outside of his professional endeavors, Jason is passionate about continuous learning and personal growth. He enjoys traveling, scuba diving, playing piano, and engaging in various outdoor activities. His leadership style emphasizes fostering a strong team culture and maintaining close relationships within his team, which he likens to family.14

For more insights into his professional journey and updates on Popl, you can follow him on LinkedIn under the username jasonalco.